Sunday, September 07, 2008

Black and White Angel Food Cake

I've been craving cake, so I decided we must have cake. I decided to make an angel food cake, since we have a special angel food cake pan we got from our friend Shafiee. I was appalled at all the egg yolks that were not being utilized. However, once the cake was all done, I was very happy. Beyond very happy, in fact. This may be the best dessert we've made in a long time. I wish I had a serrated cake-cutter because I made a mess cutting slices, but oh well. It is delicious!!! And I didn't screw up my first angel food cake. Hooray! We would definitely make this again!!

Just in case you don't believe us that it was awesome, here is a video of our dog trying to reach it on the dining room table. She has never done this before, even with her own food and toys, so it obviously means the cake is amazing.

If you can't decide whether you want vanilla or chocolate, this cake is for you because it delivers both. Beaten egg whites create the light, airy texture of this classic dessert. Place leftover yolks in an airtight container, cover with a thin layer of water, and refrigerate for up to two days; use them to make custards.

To prepare cake, lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and 3/4 cup granulated sugar, stirring with a whisk; set aside.

Place cream of tartar, salt, and egg whites in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until foamy. Add remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Beat in juice and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Sift flour mixture over egg white mixture, 1/4 cup at a time; fold in after each addition.

Spoon half of batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan, spreading evenly. Break air pockets by cutting through batter with a knife. Sift 2 tablespoons cocoa over remaining batter; fold in. Spoon cocoa batter evenly over top of vanilla batter; break air pockets by cutting through cocoa layer with a knife. Bake at 325° for 55 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Invert pan; cool completely. Loosen cake from sides of pan using a narrow metal spatula. Invert cake onto a plate.

To prepare glaze, place powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Drizzle half of glaze over cake.

Add 3/4 teaspoon cocoa to remaining glaze; stir well to combine. Drizzle cocoa glaze over cake. Refrigerate 5 minutes or until glaze is set. Garnish with strawberries, if desired.